Adriamycin & cytoxan

Judy2Day

Adriamycin, Cytoxan and Taxol

Does anyone know of a class-action lawsuit against this chemo treatment.  My husband had breast cancer was administered this chemo treatment around 6 years ago,  and he has developed M.D.S.     M.D.S.  is common after chemo,  and aparently prevalent after this combination.    

desertgirl947

AC

I had adriamycin and cytoxan four times, evey other week and then taxol four times every other week.  I also had Neulasta shots after seven of the infusions.

About the A/C, this is what I experienced:

• Reminders from my nurses who were doing the infusions of how careful they had to be in making sure my port was working correctly.
• A few preliminary drugs via drip and pills -- meant to offset nausea.  I was told that the amount I got through the preliminary drip was enough to last me probably three days, as far as when I really might be wanting to start taking my anti-nausea drugs.  My prescription was for five days's worth of two meds for nausea and three days' worth of a steroid.
• The day after chemo I went in for a Neulasta shot.
• My hair began to fall out just after my second infusion.  Rather than deal with clumps of hair, I decided to get a buzz cut from a friend of mine.  It was easier to mess with bristles.
• If I was going to feel like doing nothing, that tended to be by Thursday.  My chemo days were Mondays.  I was taking my pills, but I did feel queasy.  I could eat, but I had to make myself do that.  It did stay down.
• I drank 2-3 quarts of water for at least the first several days after an infusion.
• I kept a record of things the week I had chemo, looking for patterns and better knowing how to plan my week.  I did not go to work because of a compromised immune system.  (I worked with huggy-lovey little kids at school.)  I did get out to the store to get a few groceries and to church.  I did not spend as much time at either place as I usually did.
• The only actual side effects I had were (1) dealing with queasiness; and (2) losing my hair.
• My blood work was always good, and I never had an infusion delayed.  Because my blood work was always good, I did not have to take that one last Neulasta shot after my last infusion, which was, at that time, taxol.

We may have the same disease and the same treatment and yet we may react differently from people we know.  I know that was true for me, and I had about five people in particular I could compare notes with. 

Rainbow Watcher

creampuff91344 said:

TAC
Kakie, i had the treatment TAC, which includes Adriamycin, Cytoxin, plus Taxotere. The combo of these three drugs is involved in a clinical study, with 1,000 patients taking TAC, and the other 1,000 taking just TC. This study is through Johns Hopkins. They are trying to determine if the two drugs is as effective in preventing recurrence as adding the Adriamycin. I am two years out from completion of treatment, and so far I am clear. The Adriamycin is a wicked drug, and causes severe problems with sores in the mouth (or any orface in the body). You just have to be vigilent while on Adriamycin, and normally they will have you eat ice or suck on a popsicle as they are administering that particular drug. Since you won't be on Taxotere, you won't have to worry about the side effects of that drug. The AC is doable, as is all chemo treatment. just follow doctors instructions, and you will get through the treatment. Good luck in your journey, and always know there will be help in answering any questions you may have on this board. Someone has been there or done that. Hugs, Judy

TAC

I received the treatment TAC 13 years ago and have been cancer free to date.  I agree; Adriamycin is a wicked drug.  I had all the side effects Adriamycin is known for, and now I have one more---CHF.  I have been to the Mayo Clinic in Rochester and Phoenix.  Five Mayo doctors agree that my cardiomyopathy is the result of Adriamycin.  A heart transplant is not an option because of my age.  My local doctor says I have a 60% chance of surviving a year.  Right now, I am feeling pretty good and I have time to get my affairs in order.  Sadly, I am not a rare case with this diagnosis.  It will be very interesting to see the result of the Johns Hopkins clinical trial of TAC treatment vs treatment (TC) without Adriamycin.

So sorry that I may have given some of you something more to consider/worry about Adriamycin.  Not my intention for sure.  Just want to inform you of possible side-effects down the road.

Blessings to All on Your Journeys.     Julianna

Tonantzin

I finished 4 AC, and am now

I finished 4 AC, and am now on 4th of 12 Taxol. I feel Ac was alot better in that i was only fatigued day of chemo and maybe half of the next day. (with no nausea),  Taxol has my legs,arms and finger feeling really weird and tired and i cant sleep. Also, i have next to no apetite and my eyes water so bad.

 

jessiesmom1

Chemo and Me

Hi Tonantzin,

I see I posted on this thread 7 years ago! I have been in remission since then. I had a LOT of side effects during the Taxotere rounds but thankfully neuropathy was not one of them. I DID have no appetite as you mentioned. It got to the point where I wasn't eating AT ALL. I mean nothing. Not a bite. Of course, my oncologist was not happy but said that it was more important that I remain hydrated. He read me the riot act on that point. I used fruit bars, Gatorade, clear ensure and water. I eventually lost 40 lbs. It helped that I was overweight to start with. 2 weeks after chemo ended I ate some plain boiled pasta and an apple. That sent me on my way. 

The watery eyes is another issue altogether. 7 years after my last round of chemo and they STILL water. I saw 2 opthamologists to no avail. Then I saw an optometrist who did the world's  most complete eye exam and he stated that the puncta (The little drainage holes in the corners of your eyes) in my eyes were blocked. I was referred to an oculofacial plastic and reconstructive surgeon. She confirmed the diagnosis and said it was a well known side effect of Taxotere. It can be prevented by flushing of the eyes during and after chemo. Apparently my oncologist was not aware of that. She was unable to open the puncta in her office and I was scheduled for surgery. The surgery was a failure because they were too badly scarred over. Needless to say, I was tremendously disappointed. So here we are with permanently watery eyes. My oncologist said the watery eyes would go away when chemo awas over. It didn't.

I suggest you IMMEDIATELY discuss this with your oncologist or you will end up with permanent  damage. Ask for a referral to an oculofacial plastic and reconstructive surgeon - not an ordinary opthamologist. 

I wish you only the best of luck. Please let us know how things go.

IRENE